Seat mountable entertainment system

ABSTRACT

An entertainment system comprises a media source, and a housing for supporting the media source, wherein the housing is coupled to an inner portion of a seat of a vehicle, and the media source is capable of being selectively connected to and disconnected from the housing.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. application Ser. No.10/438,724, filed on May 15, 2003.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an entertainment system, and moreparticularly to an entertainment system capable of being mounted to aseat.

2. Discussion of Related Art

As society becomes more mobile and therefore spends a greater amount oftime traveling and away from home, demand rises for electronicappliances and devices outside the home environment. For example, asshown in FIGS. 1 and 2, video screens 101 have been mounted in theheadrests 102 of vehicles, facilitating video entertainment on the road.These video screens may be connected to a media source located, forexample, in the glove box or console of the vehicle. In thisconfiguration, the media source occupies space in the vehicle that couldotherwise be used for alternate purposes, such as storage.

Therefore, a need exists for a configuration of an entertainment systemthat includes space for housing a media source located on the seat ofthe vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An entertainment system, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention, includes a media source, and a housing for supporting themedia source, wherein the housing is coupled to an inner portion of aseat of a vehicle, and the media source is capable of being selectivelyconnected to and disconnected from the housing.

The media source may include at least one of a DVD player, a CD-ROMplayer, a video game player, a videocassette player, a television tuner,a radio tuner, an MP3 player, and a digital video recorder. The innerportion of the vehicle seat may include an internal support structure ofthe seat. The housing may be mounted in one of a headrest and a mainbody of the seat and may include a cavity for receiving the mediasource.

The media source includes a wireless transmitter for transmittingwireless signals, wherein the wireless signals include at least one ofaudio signals and video signals. The media source may include a port forconnecting to an external device.

The entertainment system may further include a display operativelycoupled to the media source, wherein the display is one of handheld,mounted to the housing and mounted at a location in the vehicle awayfrom the housing. The display may be pivotally mounted to the housing.The location in the vehicle, away from the housing may include one of awall of the vehicle, another seat in the vehicle and a different part ofthe same seat where the housing is mounted. The display may beoperatively coupled to the media source via at least one of a directconnection, a connection through the housing and a wireless connection.

The media source may be electrically coupled to the housing using a pinarray. Power may be provided to the media source from a power sourcecoupled to the housing. Video data may be transferred from the mediasource to the housing for distribution to at least one display. Audiodata may be transferred from the media source to the housing fordistribution to at least one of at least one speaker and at least oneheadphone set.

The entertainment system may also include a door pivotally attached tothe housing with a hinge, wherein the hinge is positioned at a top,bottom or side portion of the door. A display may be mounted on thedoor. The seat of the vehicle may include an opening in line with a slotin the media source for receiving a data media to be inserted in theslot. The entertainment system may include a cover for covering thehousing. The media source may include a storage device capable ofstoring at least one of a plurality of audio files and a plurality ofvideo files.

A housing adapted to secure a removable media source to a seat in avehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,includes a means for securing the housing to an internal supportstructure of the seat; and a means for securing the removable mediasource to the housing.

The removable media source may include at least one of a DVD player, aCD-ROM player, a video game player, a videocassette player, a televisiontuner, a radio tuner, an MP3 player, and a digital video recorder. Thehousing may be mounted in one of a headrest and a main body of the seat.A display may be operatively coupled to the removable media source,wherein the display is one of handheld, mounted to the housing andmounted at a location in the vehicle away from the housing. The displaymay be operatively coupled to the removable media source via at leastone of a direct connection, a connection through the housing and awireless connection. The removable media source may be electricallycoupled to the housing. Power may be provided to the removable mediasource from a power source coupled to the housing. Video data may betransferred from the removable media source to the housing fordistribution to at least one display. Audio data may be transferred fromthe removable media source to the housing for distribution to at leastone of at least one speaker and at least one headphone set.

Another entertainment system, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention, includes a media source, and a housing for supportingthe media source, wherein at least a portion of the housing is mountedin a vehicle seat, and the media source is capable of being selectivelyconnected to and disconnected from the housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described belowin more detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a video screen installed in a vehicleheadrest;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a video screen installed in a vehicleheadrest;

FIG. 3 shows an entertainment system according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 shows an entertainment system according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 shows a housing attached to an internal support structure of aseat according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 6A-6B show mechanisms for installing an entertainment systemaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 7A-7B show mechanisms for installing an entertainment systemaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8A shows a housing according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8B shows a rear portion of a source according to an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 9 shows an entertainment system according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 10A-10D show an entertainment system according to an embodiment ofthe present invention; and

FIG. 11 shows a cover for an entertainment system according to anembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 3, an entertainment system 200 is shown, wherein ahousing 202 for a media source 250 is integrated into a vehicle seat 201at, for example, the main body 203 of the seat 201. As shown in FIG. 4,an entertainment system 300 includes a housing 302 for a media source350 that is integrated into the headrest 305 of a vehicle seat 301.

The media sources 250, 350 may include, for example, a DVD player, aCD-ROM player, a video game player, a videocassette player (VCP), atelevision or radio tuner, and an MP3 player, digital video recorder(DVR) or similar device capable of downloading, recording, storing(e.g., on a storage device, such as a hard disk) and/or playing videoand/or audio files or programs. The media sources 250, 350 may alsoinclude any combination, of the above media sources. If a media sourcerequires insertion of a data media, such a DVD, the media source can bea clamshell-type device, wherein a data media is inserted into the mediasource through a cover, for example, positioned on the top of the device(FIG. 10D), a slot-type device, wherein a data media is inserted througha slot in the media source, a drawer-type device including a drawer anda spindle for securing a data media in place, or any other deviceconfigured to receive a data media.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6A-6B, the housings 202, 302 can be fixed to thevehicle seats 201, 301 by, for example, screws 204, catches 206,adhesives, epoxies and/or any other means known to those skilled in theart. As shown in FIG. 4, the housing 302 can be secured to an internalsupport structure 325 of the headrest 305. Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 5, the housing 202 may be secured to internal structures 225, 226of the main body 203 of the vehicle seat 201. As an alternative tomounting to an internal support structure, the housings 202, 302 may beattached (e.g., glued or riveted) to a portion of the upholstery withinthe seat body or headrest.

The media sources 250, 350 can be permanently fixed in a cavity or openportion 210, 310 of the housings 202, 302 by any acceptable means knownto those skilled in the art, such as by screws, catches, adhesives,molding and pressure fitting. The media sources 250, 350 are preferablycapable of being selectively inserted and mounted in the cavities 210,310 and removable therefrom. The media sources 250, 350 may beselectively housed in the cavities 210, 310 so that they are replaceablewith different media sources operating with the same or different typesof media.

Referring to FIG. 7A, the housings 202, 302 include a quick releasemechanism for securing and releasing the media sources 250, 350. Thequick release mechanism can include a button 702 for releasing a latch703, which is secured to the media source 250, 350 by pressing the mediasource 250, 350 securely into the cavity 210, 310. A latch mechanismincludes a latch 703 that passes into, for example, a bottom portion ofa wall of the media source 250, 350. The latch 703 is momentarilydisplaced as the media source 250, 350 is inserted into the cavity 210,310. A spring 704 secures the latch 703 in the bottom portion of themedia source 250, 350. The button 702 can be pressed, aligning the latch703 with an opening in the bottom portion of the media source 250, 350,and the media source 250, 350 can be pulled away from the housing 202,302.

As shown in FIG. 7B, a rear portion 705 of the media source 250, 350 canbe secured by a convex portion 706 that fits within a concave portion707 in the housing 202, 302. As the media source 250, 350 is pressedinto the cavity 210, 310, a wall 708 of the housing 202, 302 flexes awayfrom the rear portion of the media source 250, 350 until the convexportion 706 is aligned with the concave portion 707. The convex portion706 and the concave portion 707 cooperate to secure the media source250, 350 in the cavity 210, 310 of the housing 202, 400. Thus, a wall708 of the housing 202, 302 surrounding the cavity 210, 310 can beformed of, for example, a flexible thermoplastic rubber. Other means ofsecuring the media source 250, 350 in the cavity 210, 310 of the housing202, 302 are contemplated, such as, snaps, locks, latches, and the like.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A and 8B, a wall 815 of the housing 202, 302bordering the cavity 210, 310 (shown in FIG. 8A as a back wall 815)includes a pin array 801 for connecting to a pin array 802 located onthe media source 250, 350. When the media source 250, 350 is secured tohousing 202, 302, the pin array 801 and media source pin array 802transfer data to and from the media source 250, 350. Thus, the mediasource can be connected to external devices through the housing 202,302. The external devices include, for example, a slave video displayunit installed in another part of the vehicle, a security system, and avehicle sound system.

The media source 250, 350 may also be connected to the vehicle's powersupply through the housing 202, 302. The housing 202, 302 can be coupledto a vehicle's electrical system and connected to a vehicle's powersupply, e.g., 12 Volts, through, for example, a wiring harness. Powercan be supplied to the media source 250, 350 through the pin arrays 801and 802. The housing 202, 302 can also be connected to a vehicle's datacommunication bus, which can carry data to and from the externaldevices.

Referring to FIG. 9, in an entertainment system 400, a portion of a seat401, such as the headrest 405, includes an opening 409 for receiving adata media to be inserted in the media source (e.g., media source 250 or350). The opening 409 aligns with the slot 411 of a media source thathas been inserted into a cavity in a housing. The alignment of theopening 409 with the slot 411 allows a data media, such as a DVD or MP3disk to be inserted into a media source. The opening 409 may bepositioned on the side, top, or bottom of the seat 401. The portion ofthe seat 401 where the media source and slot are located (e.g. theheadrest 405 or the main body of the seat) may include vents 412 fordissipating heat and a cooling fan 413 for increasing airflow. Thecooling fan 413 can be located behind the vents 412, such that thecooling fan 413 is concealed.

Referring to FIGS. 10A-10D, another embodiment of an entertainmentsystem 500 installed in a vehicle seat 501, wherein a housing 502 for amedia source 550 is integrated into the vehicle seat 501, at, forexample, the headrest or the main body of the vehicle seat 501. Adisplay 520 is also attached to the housing 502. Like the housings 202and 302 and media sources 250 and 350, the housing 502 is attached tothe seat 501 and the media source 550 is mounted in the housing 502 inthe same or similar manner as embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Themedia source 550 may also include any of the devices listed above inconnection with the media sources 250 and 350. Further, the housing 502may include the pin array 801 for mating with a pin array 802 on themedia source 550 for transfer of power and/or data.

As shown in FIGS. 10A-10D, a door 530 is connected via a hinge or hinges532 to the housing 502. The door 530 includes the display 520 formed ona front side thereof. The display 520 can be fixed to the door 530 by,for example, screws, catches, adhesives, molding, pressure fitting,snugly fitting into an open center section of the door 530 bordered by aframe and/or any other means known to those skilled in the art.

The hinge 532, located at a top portion of the door 530, allows the door530 to pivot away from the housing 502 to expose a cavity 510 forreceiving and supporting the media source 550 in the housing 502. Thehinge 532 may be positioned at top, bottom or side portions of the door530 as long the door 530 can be opened to expose the cavity 510 forreceiving the media source 550.

The media source 550 includes a, cover 552 that can be opened to allowinsertion of a data media, such as a DVD, into the media source 550. Thedoor 530 may be opened, for example, by pulling a tab 534.Alternatively, a button (not shown) may be depressed releasing the door530 from the housing 502. The cover 552 may be opened, for example, bypulling a tab (not shown) and/or by depressing a button 554 releasingthe cover 552 from the entertainment unit 550. The door 530 may beclosed by re-engaging the released side of the door 530 with the housing502. A desired program can be played for viewing while the door 530 isin the closed position. Controls 560 for controlling functions of themedia source 550, such as, volume, previous, next, pause, eject, playand power on/off, are shown in FIG. 10D positioned on the media source550.

The display 520 has a thin display screen, preferably an LCD typescreen. Specifications for the display 520 may include a TFD colorliquid crystal display with a diagonal length of 4-8 inches, and a fullcolor TFT active matrix display. The display 520 may include a controlpanel 540 with control buttons 542 for controlling the on screen displaycharacteristics and input and output ports 543 for items such asexternal devices or headphones. The media source 550 may also includeinput and output positioned thereon.

It is to be appreciated that that a display, such as the display 520,may also be attached to the housings 202, 302, either via a door ordirectly to the housings using fasteners, screws, catches, molding,snap-fit mechanisms or the like. A display may also be handheld, mountedin another portion of the vehicle away from the seat mounted mediasource, such as to a wall of the vehicle (e.g. the ceiling of thevehicle), on another seat or on a different portion of the same seat asthe media source (e.g., on a headrest, while the media source ispositioned on the main body of the seat).

The display can be operatively coupled to the media source directly viawires or some other electrical connectors, or through the housing, via,for example, electrical connectors coupled to the pin array 801.

Transfer of data may be obtained through the pin arrays 801, 802. Forexample, video data from a DVR media source may be transferred throughthe pin arrays 801, 802 to a display coupled to the housing forproducing a video image on a display screen. Similarly, audio data maybe transferred through the pin arrays 801, 802 to a display, speakersand/or headphones coupled to the housing for producing sound associatedwith a video image. Further, audio data may be sent through the displayto speakers or headphones via wired or wireless transmission. Video andaudio data may also be transferred to displays, speakers and/orheadphones directly from the media source. Audio and/or video data fromany of the above described media sources can be transferred via the pinarrays 801, 802 or through some other physical connection, such as wiresor through wireless transmission to displays, speakers and/orheadphones.

To provide for audio reception through wireless headphones, the display520 or the media source 550 may include a wireless transmitter 575 fortransmitting wireless signals to wireless receivers in wirelessheadphones via, for example radio frequency (RF) or infrared (IR)signals, using an antenna or optical transmitting device, respectively.The wireless transmitter 575 can be capable of transmitting wirelesssignals over more than one channel operating at a different frequencyfor each channel so that interference between more than one wirelessheadphone user watching different programs can be avoided. Audio mayalso be provided to vehicle occupants through the existing vehicle audiosystem or through a speaker mounted in the seat 501 or media source 550.

Referring to FIG. 11, when the entertainment systems 200-500 are not inuse, a cover 980 can conceal the housing and cavity. The cover 980 ismanufactured from a material such as, plastic, wood, leather, vinyl,cloth, and/or aluminum. Depending on the cover material, the cover 980can be secured by the same mechanisms used to secure the media source tothe compartment shown in FIGS. 7A-7B, or with catches, snaps, Velcro,and/or a zipper. The cover 980 and the media source can have one or morefeatures in common, such as openings for receiving latches and the like.

It is to be appreciated that a portable media source according to thepresent invention is easily removable from and can be operated outsideof a vehicle, for example, in home or office environments.

Having described embodiments for a seat mountable video system, it isnoted that modifications and variations can be made by persons skilledin the art in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to beunderstood that changes may be made in the particular embodiments of theinvention disclosed which are within the scope and spirit of theinvention as defined by the appended claims. Having thus described theinvention with the details and particularity required by the patentlaws, what is claimed and desired protected by Letters Patent is setforth in the appended claims.

1. An entertainment system, comprising: a media source; and a housingfor supporting the media source, wherein the housing is coupled to aninner portion of a seat of a vehicle, the media source is capable ofbeing selectively connected to and disconnected from the housing, andthe media source is electrically coupled to the housing using a pinarray.
 2. The entertainment system of claim 1, wherein the media sourceincludes at least one of a DVD player, a CD-ROM player, a video gameplayer, a video cassette player, a television tuner, a radio tuner, anMP3 player, and a digital video recorder.
 3. The entertainment system ofclaim 1, wherein the inner portion of the vehicle seat includes aninternal support structure of the seat.
 4. The entertainment system ofclaim 1, wherein the housing is mounted in one of a headrest and a mainbody of the seat.
 5. The entertainment system of claim 1, wherein thehousing includes a cavity for receiving the media source.
 6. Theentertainment system of claim 1, wherein the media source includes awireless transmitter for transmitting wireless signals.
 7. Theentertainment system of claim 6, wherein the wireless signals include atleast one of audio signals and video signals.
 8. The entertainmentsystem of claim 1, wherein the media source includes a port forconnecting to an external device.
 9. The entertainment system of claim1, further comprising a display operatively coupled to the media source,wherein the display is one of handheld, mounted to the housing andmounted at a location in the vehicle away from the housing.
 10. Theentertainment system of claim 9, wherein the display is pivotallymounted to the housing.
 11. The entertainment system of claim 9, whereinthe location in the vehicle away from the housing includes one of a wallof the vehicle, another seat in the vehicle and a different part of thesame seat where the housing is mounted.
 12. The entertainment system ofclaim 9, wherein the display is operatively coupled to the media sourcevia at least one of a direct connection, a connection through thehousing and a wireless connection.
 13. The entertainment system of claim1, wherein power is provided to the media source from a power sourcecoupled to the housing.
 14. The entertainment system of claim 1, whereinvideo data is transferred from the media source to the housing fordistribution to at least one display.
 15. The entertainment system ofclaim 1, wherein audio data is transferred from the media source to thehousing for distribution to at least one of at least one speaker and atleast one headphone set.
 16. The entertainment system of claim 1,further comprising a door pivotally attached to the housing with ahinge.
 17. The entertainment system of claim 16, wherein the hinge ispositioned at a top, bottom or side portion of the door.
 18. Theentertainment system of claim 16, further comprising a display mountedon the door.
 19. The entertainment system of claim 1, wherein the seatof the vehicle includes an opening in line with a slot in the mediasource for receiving a data media to be inserted in the slot.
 20. Theentertainment system of claim 1, further comprising a cover for coveringthe housing.
 21. The entertainment system of claim 1, wherein the mediasource includes a storage device capable of storing at least one of aplurality of audio files and a plurality of video files.
 22. Anentertainment system, comprising: a media source; a housing forsupporting the media source, wherein the housing is coupled to an innerportion of a seat of a vehicle, and the media source is capable of beingselectively connected to and disconnected from the housing; and a doorpivotally attached to the housing with a hinge.
 23. The entertainmentsystem of claim 22, wherein the media source includes at least one of aDVD player, a CD-ROM player, a video game player, a videocassetteplayer, a television tuner, a radio tuner, an MP3 player, and a digitalvideo recorder.
 24. The entertainment system of claim 22, wherein theinner portion of the vehicle seat includes an internal support structureof the seat.
 25. The entertainment system of claim 22, wherein thehousing is mounted in one of a headrest and a main body of the seat. 26.The entertainment system of claim 22, wherein the housing includes acavity for receiving the media source.
 27. The entertainment system ofclaim 22, wherein the media source includes a wireless transmitter fortransmitting wireless signals.
 28. The entertainment system of claim 27,wherein the wireless signals include at least one of audio signals andvideo signals.
 29. The entertainment system of claim 22, wherein themedia source includes a port for connecting to an external device. 30.The entertainment system of claim 22, further comprising a displayoperatively coupled to the media source, wherein the display is one ofhandheld, mounted to the housing and mounted at a location in thevehicle away from the housing.
 31. The entertainment system of claim 30,wherein the display is pivotally mounted to the housing.
 32. Theentertainment system of claim 30, wherein the location in the vehicleaway from the housing includes one of a wall of the vehicle, anotherseat in the vehicle and a different part of the same seat where thehousing is mounted.
 33. The entertainment system of claim 30, whereinthe display is operatively coupled to the media source via at least oneof a direct connection, a connection through the housing and a wirelessconnection.
 34. The entertainment system of claim 22, wherein the mediasource is electrically coupled to the housing.
 35. The entertainmentsystem of claim 34, wherein the media source is electrically coupled tothe housing using a pin array.
 36. The entertainment system of claim 34,wherein power is provided to the media source from a power sourcecoupled to the housing.
 37. The entertainment system of claim 34,wherein video data is transferred from the media source to the housingfor distribution to at least one display.
 38. The entertainment systemof claim 34, wherein audio data is transferred from the media source tothe housing for distribution to at least one of at least one speaker andat least one headphone set.
 39. The entertainment system of claim 22,wherein the hinge is positioned at a top, bottom or side portion of thedoor.
 40. The entertainment system of claim 22, further comprising adisplay mounted on the door.
 41. The entertainment system of claim 22,wherein the seat of the vehicle includes an opening in line with a slotin the media source for receiving a data media to be inserted in theslot.
 42. The entertainment system of claim 22, further comprising acover for covering the housing.
 43. The entertainment system of claim22, wherein the media source includes a storage device capable ofstoring at least one of a plurality of audio files and a plurality ofvideo files.
 44. An entertainment system, comprising: a media source;and a housing for supporting the media source, wherein the housing iscoupled to an inner portion of a seat of a vehicle, the media source iscapable of being selectively connected to and disconnected from thehousing, and the seat of the vehicle includes an opening in line with aslot in the media source for receiving a data media to be inserted inthe slot.
 45. The entertainment system of claim 44, wherein the mediasource includes at least one of a DVD player, a CD-ROM player, a videogame player, a videocassette player, a television tuner, a radio tuner,an MP3 player, and a digital video recorder.
 46. The entertainmentsystem of claim 44, wherein the inner portion of the vehicle seatincludes an internal support structure of the seat.
 47. Theentertainment system of claim 44, wherein the housing is mounted in oneof a headrest and a main body of the seat.
 48. The entertainment systemof claim 44, wherein the housing includes a cavity for receiving themedia source.
 49. The entertainment system of claim 44, wherein themedia source includes a wireless transmitter for transmitting wirelesssignals.
 50. The entertainment system of claim 49, wherein the wirelesssignals include at least one of audio signals and video signals.
 51. Theentertainment system of claim 44, wherein the media source includes aport for connecting to an external device.
 52. The entertainment systemof claim 44, further comprising a display operatively coupled to themedia source, wherein the display is one of handheld, mounted to thehousing and mounted at a location in the vehicle away from the housing.53. The entertainment system of claim 52, wherein the display ispivotally mounted to the housing.
 54. The entertainment system of claim52, wherein the location in the vehicle away from the housing includesone of a wall of the vehicle, another seat in the vehicle and adifferent part of the same seat where the housing is mounted.
 55. Theentertainment system of claim 52, wherein the display is operativelycoupled to the media source via at least one of a direct connection, aconnection through the housing and a wireless connection.
 56. Theentertainment system of claim 44, wherein the media source iselectrically coupled to the housing.
 57. The entertainment system ofclaim 56, wherein the media source is electrically coupled to thehousing using a pin array.
 58. The entertainment system of claim 56,wherein power is provided to the media source from a power sourcecoupled to the housing.
 59. The entertainment system of claim 56,wherein video data is transferred from the media source to the housingfor distribution to at least one display.
 60. The entertainment systemof claim 56, wherein audio data is transferred from the media source tothe housing for distribution to at least one of at least one speaker andat least one headphone set.
 61. The entertainment system of claim 44,further comprising a door pivotally attached to the housing with ahinge.
 62. The entertainment system of claim 61, wherein the hinge ispositioned at a top, bottom or side portion of the door.
 63. Theentertainment system of claim 61, further comprising a display mountedon the door.
 64. The entertainment system of claim 44, furthercomprising a cover for covering the housing.
 65. The entertainmentsystem of claim 44, wherein the media source includes a storage devicecapable of storing at least one of a plurality of audio files and aplurality of video files.